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England rejection was a ‘real kick up the backside’ says Arsenal star

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has stated that being overlooked for Sam Allardyce’s England squad has been a wake-up call, according to the Mirror.

In fact, Chamberlain admitted that being snubbed for the previous England squad gave him a “real kick up the backside”.

Chamberlain also missed out on England’s Euro 2016 squad due to injury.

“It provided a real kick up the backside,” Oxlade-Chamberlain was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

“I have been playing for England since I was 18 and, while I wouldn’t say I took it all for granted, it just seemed to be a part of my season – to play for Arsenal and for England.

“And so, to be available and feeling good and fit – but not to be in the squad was a jolt. It was a wake-up call.

“I am not young now, I am 23, so you need to be performing and playing as much as you can to deserve a chance to go and play for England. So, being back in the set-up now makes me realise how special it is and it is something I want to keep happening in the foreseeable future.”

Chamberlain also revealed that Sam Allardyce did not contact him to offer an explanation to why he was left out.

The former Southampton midfielder has also lost his place in Arsenal’s starting lineup this season. Arsene Wenger has opted to field youngster Alex Iwobi ahead of Chamberlain so far this season.

The Gunners have recorded five victories in their last five games and are unbeaten in their last eight.

Arsenal take on Swansea City in their next Premier League fixture on October 15. The Swans recently appointed the former USA national team head coach Bob Bradley as their manager.